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Showing 61 - 70 results (out of a total of 473) found for "Auto" in Ask Us Anything

Do I have to fix the stop-start system?

Hi, my auto stop-start stopped working and a symbol keeps on flashing on the dashboard. Will it damage my car if I don’t get it fixed right away? I’ve a Nissan Note.

Sandra Clarkson (Dundee)

Dec 2019 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

It shouldn't cause any damage, but it could indicate a weakness in your battery or electrical system, so it's best to have it looked at when you can. 

Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature for more information


Where to buy a used Nissan Qashqai?

I'm looking to buy a used Nissan Qashqai automatic car in the next year (three or four years old). I've been looking on Carzone, etc. and I can't find many stock from the dealers. Are there any auto dealers in Dublin or the Leinster area that would definitely be worth a visit? Also, is it worth importing from Northern Ireland and saving the money? If yes, please provide any dealers in NI too. I've very poor knowledge in searching for cars.

Thanks

Striker10 Striker10 (Castleknock)

Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi there,

We’ve managed to find a few automatic Qashqais in the roughly three-year-old range for sale in the Dublin area via Carzone.ie. If you did want to go north of the border, then probably your best bet would be the check out Charles Hurst in Belfast — they’re the main Nissan dealer for the area and usually have a good stock of used cars.


Is xDrive worth getting on a BMW 3 Series?

Hi,

I have been driving a BMW 320 diesel automatic for two years now. I can't believe how poorly it sticks to the road on typical wet or damp Irish roads. I have owned two front-wheel-drive cars previously and miss the grip and poise they offer. I am thinking of going for a second hand 320d with xDrive. Will it make much of a difference to the handling?

Barry Jackson (Dublin)

Nov 2019 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

I think this sounds more like a tyre issue than anything else. Is there a possibility that the car is on cheap, aftermarket, tyres? If so, get them replaced with a set of something decent — Michelins or Bridgestones. Going for xDrive would help, of course, as the extra bit of traction is never a bad thing, but it does add (slightly) to your running costs because of the weight and the extra frictional losses.


Costs to import a 2012 Kia Soul?

I am considering buying a car with English registration, It is a 2012 Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi 2 five-door automatic diesel with almost 40,000 miles on the clock. I would like to know (1) the cost of Irish registration and (2) what tax band would it come under, and the annual cost of motor tax.

Thank you

Mary

Mary Doyle (Ballaghadereen)

Nov 2019 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

That version of the Soul, with the automatic gearbox, has CO2 emissions of 155g/km, so it’ll cost you €390 a year to tax. VRT on import shouldn’t be too steep — probably around the €1,800 mark depending on optional equipment, but bring it in quick — if you leave it until after January 1st you’ll have to pay the extra NOx tax, and that will add €1,975 to your import bill...


How much is my VW Golf 1.6 TDI worth?

What price should I ask for my Volkswagen Golf 1.6 diesel automatic, with 100,000 miles on the clock?

Pat Durkin (Longford )

Nov 2019 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

It probably depends more on the year than the mileage, but I’m going to assume with 100,000 miles on the clock, it’s probably a 2015 model? If so it should be worth around €12,500, or about €10,500 as a trade in. 


Difference between the Skoda Fabia trims?

What is the difference between the Skoda Fabia Style and the Skoda Fabia Ambition?

Ben Jackson (LIMERICK)

Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

Ambition is the Skoda Fabia’s mid-level trim, one up from a basic Active. Prices for the cheapest Fabia Ambition start at €17,000 and standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel, front and rear electric windows, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear reading lights and an umbrella stashed under the front passenger seat.

A €19,900 Style upgrades all that with extra toys such as 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, automatic headlights, a front centre armrest and height adjustable seats. 


Mercedes stop-start issue has started...

Hi

I drive a 2014 Mercedes E 220 model saloon and it has start-stop technology, but recently it's just switching the engine on and off at the traffic lights; it's doing this quite often so I have to turn it off. I have heating on as per usual and I have never had this problem before.

Tahir Aurangzaib (OLDHAM)

Nov 2019 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Tahir,

The first thing we'd check is the condition of the battery. It sounds like the system is turning off the engine as normal, but then sensing that it needs to go back on right away. That's unusual, to be honest, as most systems just won't turn the engine off if an issue is detected. I'd advise you bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician to have it looked over.

Our feature, Why won't my car's stop-start system work?, is worth a read as well.


When to change my Mondeo's belt?

My 2015 Mondeo 2.0 auto has done 150,000km on the clock. When does it need a new timing belt/chain.

Many thanks

Declan Curtis (Dublin)

Oct 2019 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Assuming this is the current shape Mondeo, and that you're talking about the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine (the 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses a timing chain, not a belt), then the interval is at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years - whichever comes first.


Why does motor tax vary so much on a car?

Why would two exact same make, model and engined cars be different tax rates? Both 2010 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, 1.6 diesel HDi?

Brian Ambrose (Castlemahon)

Oct 2019 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Different versions of the same car can have different equipment levels, which can affect the weight of the vehicle and therefore its emissions. Equally, different model years can have different engine specifications (even if the basic bones of the engine are the same), which can affect the CO2 rating. Or, of course, one could have a manual gearbox and one an automatic, which can have a major effect on the CO2 levels.


Issue with my 2011 Audi A6 gearbox.

I have a 2011 model Audi A6 and thecar jumps when driving, says gearbox malfunction, but you can still drive. I flushed out oil and changed the gearbox filter and still the problem remains. But I noticed when the car has driven for a while it will stop and it drives smoothly.

Please help

Felix Ndukwe (Cape Town )

Sep 2019 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Felix,

Looking at the 2.0 TDI automatic model at the start of the 2011 generation A6, there are a couple of known issues with the gearbox. The first is with the hydraulic accumulator, which may cause juddering. This potentially needs to be replaced to eradicate the issue. A separate issue comes from the transmission control module that can lead to error codes appearing on the dashboard - it requires reprogramming most likely.


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